Clune Park: Revised £31m plan for redevelopment of estate

Inverclyde councillors are being asked to approve the redevelopment proposals after an earlier draft put before elected members in October 2018 was 'refreshed'.

The local authority has been battling for over a decade to gain control of privately-owned flats on the eyesore estate, so that it can send in the bulldozers. Over 150 homes on the estate still remain in other hands.

The preferred option for the site's regeneration, which has suffered from vandalism, wilful fire attacks and neglect for years, would include the construction of 135 new homes in a mixture of flats, cottage flats and houses.

The revised Clune Park masterplan (Image: Inverclyde Council)

The work would be completed over two phases, with the first stage covering the B-listed former primary school - that has lain empty for over a decade and was gutted by a fire at the end of August - as well as the adjacent church and resource centre.

However, a council report notes: "At this point the proposal involves the retention of the school façade although members will be aware that there are still issues to resolve around the safety of the remaining building following the fire."

The report states that the masterplan will be amended 'if the building is not salvageable'.

READ MORE: Piece of history disappears as bulldozers move in at fire-damaged old school

Demolition work has begun at the school following the recent blaze, which also damaged the nearby resource centre, forcing its temporary closure.

Clune Park Resource Centre will move permanently after the site's redevelopment (Image: Duncan Bryceland)

A report prepared for a meeting of the local authority's environment and regeneration committee next week said that an update to the plans was needed 'in light of changes in affordability and the changing housing need in Inverclyde'.

Hypostyle Architects, who drafted the new plans, say: "Currently the area suffers from high rates of unoccupied dwellings, with many of the properties suffering from vandalism and neglect.

"Inverclyde Council and their partners recognise the potential that housing-led regeneration can bring to Clune Park.

Clune Park (Image: George Munro)

"The area has a strong history and identity, has close access to natural amenities and has the potential to be a desirable place to live."

The council report says that if the plans are given the go-ahead, they will involve the acquisition of the remaining 161 properties in the Clune Park estate, with the council currently owning 269.

READ MORE: Inverclyde leaders propose £70 million regeneration plan through key projects

Ownership of the buildings within the estate is divided amongst Inverclyde Council, River Clyde Homes and various private landlords.

The preferred option for the second phase of the redevelopment would extend the site area to cover the south carriageway of Glasgow Road and create a new cycle path alongside Glasgow Road for an 'active travel route' running from Fyfe Park Terrace to Clune Brae.

The existing park at the west entrance would be upgraded and a new 'pocket park' would be provided at the east end of the site.

Clune Park Primary was destroyed by a fire in August 2023 (Image: Duncan Bryceland)

This option would cost just over £31m, or around £231,000 per housing unit, while the alternative would cost just over £25m.

The plans also outline the potential future refurbishment and development of an area west of the church and resource centre.

The council committee will meet on November 2 to make a decision on the recommendations.